Kathmandu, April 20
At least four protesters were killed and over 40 injured in Nepal today when security forces opened fire on thousands of pro-democracy activists who defied a curfew and shoot-at-sight orders in the capital to march against King Gyanendra’s rule.The protesters took to streets on the 15th day of the nationwide general strike by the opposition seven-party alliance which is demanding restoration of democracy and an end to the direct rule of the King, who seized power in February last year.
Meanwhile, under mounting pressure from pro-democracy agitators, King Gyanendra tonight had consultations with Supreme Court Chief Justice Dilip Kumar Poudel and Attorney-General triggering speculation that he was getting ready to restore democracy through revival of Parliament and hand over power to the people.
Earlier, despite the imposition of an 18-hour curfew from 2 am this morning and shoot-at-sight orders, demonstrators marched towards Kathmandu from several directions.
Four persons were killed and more than 40 injured in the firing by security forces, witnesses and doctors at the Model Hospital here said. Security forces had yesterday shot dead four protesters and injured dozens in the south-eastern Chandragadi town in the worst day of violence since the opposition strike began on April 6.
The royal government clamped the curfew in a bid to prevent a massive rally by the opposition, marking the beginning of the third week of the general strike that has crippled Nepal.
Security is tight in the capital with police trying to push back people who came out of their houses.
Defying curfew, hundreds of people came out on the streets today to participate in a pro-democracy demonstration.
In a bid to thwart the opposition from organising the rally, the Royal Government imposed an 18-hour curfew. A heavy security cordon was thrown all over the city and markets remained closed.
Nepali political parties stepped up pressure in what seems to be a showdown with the monarchy.
Warning that this time it would be a do or die battle, Mr Gopal Man Shrestha, acting president of the Nepali Congress (Democratic), said King Gyanendra had to take a “complete U-turn” to restore democracy.
“The present Cabinet has to be dissolved forthwith and all political prisoners under detention should be released immediately,” he said.
— PTI.
